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Jobs, Education, Excellence

Jordan’s tourism sites and experiences underpinned by professionalism and hospitality and by enhancing the quality and appeal of tourism and hospitality establishments and services, and upgrading tourism education and training at the university and collegiate level in Jordan.

USAID BEST focuses on creating jobs and education opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry to create linkages between employers and future graduates and future employers. For many years there has been a gap between the output of Jordan’s educational system and the needs of the tourism market in terms of skills. USAID BEST is working in collaboration with universities and hotels in Jordan in order to fill this gap.

USAID BEST is currently working with universities and colleges to make sure educational programs related to the industry are up to date and that they offer the knowledge and skills expected by employers. BEST has offered universities with tourism programs the chance to receive assistance with obtaining the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) - the TedQual Certification. BEST provided orientation and consultation to Yarmouk University faculty on the process of attaining the UNWTO certification. The department faculties were also given training on updated standards within the industry that they would be responsible for transferring as knowledge to their students. Seeking excellence in education through the administration will prepare students for the changing demands in the tourism industry.

USAID BEST has also focuses on initiatives that will advance the skills of those who do not have the ability to attend university. The InterContinental Hotel Group Hospitality Training Academy directly addresses unemployment issues in the Jordan Valley by offering Jordanian youth professional training so they can begin careers as skilled workers in the hospitality industry. It also offers them the opportunity to further their training in the Pathways to Professionalism Scheme. The Pathways to Professionalism Scheme is an industry-based professional training and development model that incorporates professional standards, learning materials, on-the-job training, mentoring, and a national system of accreditation for hotel employees. With a unique focus on work-based training PTP offers a valuable learning experience that allows learners to put their training directly in to practice.